Why doesnt my mac book shut down?

Hi
I have had my mac for 2 months and just recently it will not shut down. Why does this happen and how do I shut it down? Every time I try it tells me that it has timed out because another application open.

If an application has timed-out click on the Apple logo -> Force quit. Then choose the application that isn't shutting down. All applications must shut down before the computer switches off. In other words, all blue dots must be gone under all of the application icons except the Finder. To make your Mac shut down straight away, make sure that when finishing with an application, click on its icon and choose quit.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.